The Oklahoma Sooners are gearing up to face an old Big 12 rival, the Houston Cougars, this weekend. The Cougars are coming off a demoralizing defeat at the hands of UNLV, a Group of Five team aiming for a playoff spot by the end of the season. For Oklahoma, securing a victory against Houston is essential, especially given the daunting schedule that awaits them later in the season. Handling Houston, an easier opponent, is a must if the Sooners want to maintain their momentum.
While the Sooners should be able to manage the Cougars without much trouble, college football’s unpredictable nature and the injuries Oklahoma is currently dealing with could make this game more challenging than expected. Oklahoma recently moved up to No. 15 in the rankings, and they need to keep racking up wins against weaker opponents before the tougher games begin.
In their recent matchup against Temple, the Sooners sustained several injuries, with wide receiver Jalil Farooq breaking his foot being the most notable. However, there were other injuries as well, adding to the concerns as they approach the more challenging part of their schedule. With the caliber of opponents they are set to face this season, having everyone healthy and performing at Brent Venables’ high standards is crucial. Fortunately for the Sooners, reinforcements are on the horizon.
On Tuesday, head coach Brent Venables provided updates on the injury status of key players during his coaches’ show. He started with center Branson Hickman, saying, “He actually looked remarkably good today.” This is a positive sign for a team that needs all hands on deck.
Brent Venables says on his coach's show that Branson Hickman looked "good" today at practice. He doesn't know if he will be back this back, but "he actually looked remarkably good today."
That seems positive. #Sooners
— George Stoia III (@GeorgeStoia) September 3, 2024
Venables also shared promising news about other injured players during his press conference. Wide receiver Nic Anderson, who missed the previous game, is expected to return sooner rather than later. Additionally, Troy Everett is “close” to returning, and Jaquaize Pettaway is back up to speed.
Venables says Nic Anderson “will be back sooner rather than later.” #Sooners
— George Stoia III (@GeorgeStoia) September 3, 2024
These players will be critical for the Sooners as the season progresses. While Oklahoma can likely secure a win against Houston without them, their presence will be vital in the tougher matchups ahead.
The Sooners are slated to face six ranked teams this season, all of which are currently positioned higher than No. 18—and some may climb even higher by season’s end. Four of these teams are in the top 10, making it imperative for Oklahoma to have their full roster healthy and ready. The timing of their players’ potential return could be a significant blessing in disguise, giving the Sooners the reinforcements they need just in time for the more challenging games. As Oklahoma prepares to navigate this tough stretch, having every available player will be crucial to their success.